In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, respect for the incapacitated may require which of the following actions?

• A. Ignoring the individual's preferences in favor of standardized procedures
• B. Obtaining informed consent from a legal guardian before proceeding with treatment
• C. Proceeding with treatment without any form of consent
• D. Assuming the individual can make all decisions independently

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'respect for the incapacitated' in psychological diagnosis, which involves recognizing that some individuals may not have the capacity to make fully informed decisions about their treatment.
2. Identify that respecting such individuals typically requires involving a legally authorized representative, such as a legal guardian, to ensure decisions are made in the individual's best interest.
3. Recognize that obtaining informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in psychology, meaning that before any treatment or intervention, consent must be secured from the individual or their legal guardian if the individual is incapacitated.
4. Eliminate options that involve ignoring preferences, proceeding without consent, or assuming full independence, as these violate ethical standards and respect for the individual's rights.
5. Conclude that the correct action is to obtain informed consent from a legal guardian before proceeding with treatment, ensuring ethical and legal compliance.